V on Shenton, Singapore

V on Shenton is a new building being constructed along Shenton Way, at the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore.

The complex will replace the existing 40-storey UIC building, which has housed the property's developer UIC Investments since 1973, and was the tallest structure in the city at the time of its completion.

The new UIC building is part of the redevelopment of the Central Business District, and derives its name from its address, 5 Shenton Way. The cactus-shaped building was designed by architect Ben Van Berkel, of Dutch architecture firm UNStudio.

The project involves demolition of the UIC building and construction of a new 133,902m2mixed-use complex. Construction work began in June 2013 and the building is expected to be completed in 2017.

In recent decades, nearly 4,000 high-rises have sprouted up in Singapore. That traditional approach addresses the shortage of space, but it may also contribute to social alienation.

Design of the V on Shenton building complex

The new building complex will consist of a 54-storey residential tower and a 23-storey office building, connected by a seven-storey podium. The 237m-high residential tower will rise over the surrounding buildings, while the 123m-high office tower will blend with them in size.

" The new building complex will consist of a 54-storey residential tower and a 23-storey office building, connected by a seven-storey podium."

Lines of stainless steel will be inlaid into the floor on the ground floor of the complex, and lines of light will be traced along the ceiling. These markings are meant to guide pedestrians to the twin towers.

The lobby in the office building will include a large café and a reception area on the ground floor. The glazed café will be open to the public and extend along the view corridor.

The building will house three levels of lush sky gardens, on the 8th, 24th and 34th levels. The sky garden on the 8th level will rest above the podium structure, and span the entire level of the development. The other two sky lobbies will be housed in the residential tower, offering residents privacy as well as panoramic views of the city or the ocean.

The core of the residential tower will be split vertically above the third sky garden to form two units of residences. A continuous line of thin blue chamfer will outline the entire development and unify the residential tower, the office tower and the podium. The smooth line of the chamfer will contrast the textured facade of the towers and glow blue at night, highlighting the vertical split of the residential tower.

"The building will house three levels of lush sky gardens, on the 8th, 24th and 34th levels. The sky garden on the 8th level will rest above the podium structure, and span the entire level of the development."

V on Shenton building facade

The facade will be dominated by hexagonal glass panels, which will exhibit a honeycomb appearance and add texture and cohesion to the building.

The geometric sections of the building will comprise five different textures, depending on their programmatic function and position.

The hexagons will protrude and recede to create patterns across the facades of both the towers. The resulting angled surfaces will reflect light and provide shade.

Texture is also created by the reflection of the coloured side lighting on the panels and the balconies of the residential tower.

Amenities at the V on Shenton

The residential building will comprise 510 units including studio and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, and penthouses with exclusive outdoor roof terraces. A sea-facing gymnasium with floor-to-ceiling glass windows will be housed on the 35th level.

"The residential building will comprise 510 units including studio and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, and penthouses with exclusive outdoor roof terraces."

The sky garden on the 8th level will house a swimming pool and sun deck. The other two sky gardens will include dining and lounge facilities, and space for outdoor fitness and relaxation.

The office building will consist of approximately 280,000ft2 of Grade A office space, with full height glass facade for natural lighting.

The podium will include two levels of lobby and commercial space, and five levels of car parks. Two more levels of car parks will be included in the basement.

Contractors involved

Architects 61 served as the local architect for the project. Coen Design International was selected as the landscape designer while DE Consultants provided civil and structural engineering services.

J Roger Preston is responsible for the mechanical and electrical engineering services. KPK Quantity Surveyors was also contracted for the development of the project.

Samsung C&T was awarded a $266m construction contract by UIC Investments in 2012, and is serving as the exclusive builder of the project.